Tag: your contribution to this world

I was watching a show last night and one of the featured people talked about how he began to use drugs because he was unable to cope with his high stressed job. One day while he was working, he had a panic attack in front of his peers. He went to see a doctor, who explained that his body could not tolerate the drugs he was taking and the panic attack was his warning.

After seeing many doctors and therapists, he said the best advice came from a Buddhist teacher who asked him an important question: Is all this panic and stress going to improve or change the situation you’re stressing about? He said when he thought about it, something clicked.

How much of our time is wasted on stressing and worrying about things that we cannot change?

In addition, to help discourage the panic attacks, the Buddhist teacher suggested meditation. If you are not familiar with meditation, it is the act of basically doing nothing. Many people confuse it with the act of controlling a situation but it is actually the opposite. You release all thoughts from your mind. You in essence give your mind a break from all the chaos that you take in. It allows your mind a chance to refresh. You breathe and you watch your breathe and this encourages relaxation.

As a result, the man explained that understanding that his behavior was irrational and adding the practice of meditation, has made him a more patient person, a kinder person and a better husband and father. Please keep in mind, there is no need to become a Buddhist to adapt this practice.

I haven’t read a fashion magazine in a long time since I increased my spirituality. Mostly because I grew frustrated with the failed promises that having the newest lip gloss would change my life or make me cooler. I’ve spent so much money trying to improve my outsides by superficial means, when the answer has always been to challenge these irrational thoughts.

Why does it terrify me to speak in front of crowds? Why don’t I ever feel good enough? Why is no accomplishment enough? , etc..

While a new haircut, a new dress or a new home can really bring us joy, if it’s just a band aid to cover up a bigger issue, you will be always be chasing the next high and that’s how these fashion magazines cash in.

Understanding why we do certain things can be very powerful because we can then look it straight in the eye, acknowledge it and either accept it or work on it. Having a healthy mind is so powerful because like the man I mentioned earlier, it can make you more peaceful, more kind and just a better person overall. Most of us go through life allowing circumstances to predict our course. Why not grab a hold of your life and make it have purpose!! I certainly don’t see the downfall. xo